“Abso-fucking-lutely,” he answered.
The laughter faded from her face. “Really?”
“Nova, as you so rudely pointed out, I practically begged you to move in here. I negotiated with you when I would never have negotiated in a relationship before.”
“I could see that,” she said, her tone holding a bit of a bite. “You’re all kinds of bossy now that I know you better.”
“And that’s the way I’ve always liked it.”
“You realize you’re going to have to compromise with me, right? That’s how relationships work. You each talk about what you want, and you try to make it fit for both of you. Sometimes the fit won’t be exactly what you want.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard something like that before.”
She poked him in the center of the chest. “Don’t be a smartass. I’m serious.”
“I am, too. I know compromise is necessary, but that still doesn’t mean I won’t try to convince you that my way is best.”
Nova snorted. “I have no doubt.”
“Speaking of my way, I think you should just move in here,” he said. “Officially. Long-term.”
“What?” she asked, her face shocked.
“We love each other. This isn’t a fling or an affair or anything transient. I can’t imagine my life without you in it. I don’t want to imagine a day when I don’t wake up beside you or go to sleep beside you. It’s stupid for you to throw your money away on renting a place from me when you’re probably going to be over here all the time anyway.”
Her mouth opened and then shut before it opened again. But no sound came out.
Finally, she said, “I’m not even sure how to argue with that.” Then, her eyes narrowed. “And you did it on purpose. You said something really, really sweet followed by something bossy, thinking you’ll distract me and get your way.”
“And?”
She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I almost want grumpy, quiet Torin back,” she said.
“I’m still grumpy, quiet Torin. Just not so much with you.”
Her body melted into his. “Stop being sweet. I need to think. Clearly and analytically.”
“How’s this for analytical? We have four to six weeks before you can move back into the other apartment. Let’s see how that goes and you can decide then.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You think you can wear me down.”
“No,” he replied. “I know I can.”
He yelped when she pinched his side. “Stop pinching me.”
“Then, stop being bossy and arrogant.”
“Shit, I guess I’ll just have to get used to it.”
Nova tilted her head back and laughed. Then, she realized something.
“Wait a minute. Does that mean I get to keep your pelt?” she asked.
He scowled at her. “My pelt?”
“Yeah. Won’t I be able to boss you around better if it’s mine?”
His scowl faded and his expression grew wary. “Have you been reading up on selkies?” he asked.
